Moving to another country is such an exciting moment, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re moving overseas to a country like the U.S. It is recommended that you visit the place at least once before deciding to move long-term. This can help you to get used to the customs, and climate, among other things.
In this article, we’ll give you an idea of what you need to do to make your overseas move go as smoothly as possible.
Documents
Preparing all necessary documents is crucial to ensure that you won’t have any problems entering the country. The U.S. has some specific requirements when it comes to documentation and it’s best to be well prepared. Remember that all your documents, including birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and diplomas, need to be translated into English.
We recommend that you look for a USCIS-certified translation that meets all requirements and ensures acceptance. You don’t want your visa application to be denied or to take too long to process. Other documents to consider include important bank documents, medical records including an international vaccine record, and so on. Note that you should make more than one copy of all documents.
Housing
In case you don’t have any friends or family in the U.S. whom you can stay with, you should organize accommodation before your move. You can either choose to buy or rent an apartment or a house, and searching for one can be relatively easy depending on the place you decide to live, and reasonable rental prices.
In the beginning, it would be better to rent a house or apartment on a month-to-month basis, since you might want to move houses later on, once you’ve got the hang of things. But, you can also consider staying at a hotel while you look for the perfect place to live, and many hotels offer discounts for longer stays.
Bear in mind, however, that all of your moving boxes won’t fit in a hotel room, so you need to find a place for them to be stored until you find a home. The U.S. has plenty of storage spaces and rental prices are usually reasonable.
Finances
Settling your financial documents and applying for a Social Security Card should be at the top of your priority list once you’ve arrived in the U.S. It’s a rule that all immigrants must apply for a Social Security number, meaning that the Social Security Card is an essential identification card.
Note that without this card you cannot work or do other things in the U.S. like opening a bank account. Important documents for application include a passport, a lawful permanent resident card, and a birth certificate.
After securing this you should open an American bank account as soon as possible. Make an appointment with the bank, and they will tell you what documents you’ll need to open one. It’s also advisable to get an international credit card, and you can request to receive a Secured Credit Card to help build your credit history.
The credit history obtains records of your financial past and it’s important in the U.S. if you’re looking to purchase a house or maybe a car, and if you apply for loans or make any other large purchases or investments.
Health insurance
The healthcare system in the U.S. will be completely different from the one you’re used to. Prescription and medical procedures could cost a lot, and the costs for even a single hospital stay can be quite expensive.
So, you must explore what options you have, and it’s recommended that you contact an expert who can advise you on such matters. For example, prescriptions are some of the most expensive in the world since drug prices are not regulated by the government.
Americans pay for their healthcare either directly or indirectly through their health insurance, so it’s normal to make a payment when visiting the doctor. Since it’s very expensive, a good thing would be to have an employer pay it for you in full, although some employers only pay half.
Healthcare in the U.S. is a combined system of private and state-funded insurance, and Medicare and Medicaid are federally-funded health insurance programs only for a certain group of people who qualify for it.
In closing
The things listed above are some of the few important things you should learn about the U.S. before deciding to move there. Others include taxes, education, and other essentials about the American lifestyle. If you decide to relocate to the United States you should do thorough research and be well-prepared to make your move easier. Once you get the hang of things it’ll be a smooth sail.
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